Etsuko Osaki

Etsuko Osaki, 95 years old, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on September 14, 2026. 

Etsuko was born in Fresno, California, to the Reverend Tatsuya and Yasashi Ichikawa and was the second of seven children. After three years in Kobe, Japan, the family settled in Seattle, Washington, where Rev. Ichikawa served as Rinban of the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple. During World War II, the family spent four years in the Minidoka and Crystal City internment camps.

She married Herbert Susumu Osaki in 1952, and they shared 70 years together until his passing in 2022. They raised five children—Alan, Lora, Lynn, Jill, and Dean—in Portland, Oregon. Their family later grew to include thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle, Etsuko taught in the David Douglas School District until her retirement.

Etsuko was a cherished member of the Oregon Buddhist Temple. She treasured spending time with family in Portland, Seattle, and California, traveling with her husband, and playing tennis and golf with family and friends. She also enjoyed swimming in her later years. Education was a lifelong passion. She taught in public school and Sunday Dharma school, shared the Japanese language with her grandchildren, served as a docent at the art museum and historical society, and spoke to high school students about her internment experience.

Etsuko lived with quiet strength, generosity, and deep devotion to family and friends. She will be remembered for her kindness and calming presence. She is survived by four siblings, five children, twelve grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. A private family memorial service will be held December 5, 2026, at the Oregon Buddhist Temple.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Oregon Buddhist Temple in lieu of flowers.